Steri-strips still on 3 weeks post breast reduction. Is this normal?

Question

I had a BR done 3 weeks ago with a nipple graft. I saw my PS 2 days post op and he said that the strips will start coming off very soon. Well its 3 weeks post and not one has come off. Is this normal? I have no signs of infection and everything seems to be healing very well. Some spots the wound looks healed right over. Should I try and take them off? They show NO signs of peeling right now.

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

Steri strips are a dressing and some surgeons will keep them on as long as they stay on.  I would not worry

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Do NOT remove the steri-strips. Your healing is coming along nicely (by your description), and your nipple grafts are far from durable at this point. You could damage or even remove a nipple graft by inadvisable attempts to remove the steri-strips. 3 weeks is great adhesive, but that's a plus, not a negative!And, if you saw your surgeon at 2 days post-op, have you not seen him since? Ask your surgeon but do not do this on your own. Please. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations for your operation. From your description everything has healed very well. I usually see my patients at 1 week, remove and change the steri-strips / tape and reapply it,  but every surgeon has different preferences. Try to contact the office of your surgeon and ask to be seen, at least by one of his nurses for a wound check and to have the instructions on what to do at this stage.All the best.Andrea Marando

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

I have my patients remove the steri-strips after 2 weeks. Make sure to follow your surgeon's advice regarding this matter. Congratulations on your new breasts!

Mahsa Moghaddam Smoot, MD · Answer

Congratulations on choosing breast reduction surgery. It is one of the most patient-pleasing procedures plastic surgeons perform. If you have no signs of infection and everything seems to be healing well, then do not worry about the steri strips. There is no harm in leaving them on for longer than three weeks and there is no need to forcefully peel them off at this point. You may want to consider giving your plastic surgeon a call just to let them know and to potentially schedule another follow up appointment unless you have already done so. I wish you the best!

Steri-strips still on 3 weeks post breast reduction. Is this normal?

Answers (5)

More Breast Reduction Questions

How many grams do I need to be removed to be a B cup?

Peer to peer interview during insurance investigation. Does anyone have any suggestions for success?

How long does the breast continue to change after a breast reduction?

When can I sleep on my side after BR?

If I lose weight after my breast reduction, a significant amount like 60-70 lbs, will my newly reduced breasts lose their shape?

How long do you recommend to be off work after breast reduction?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS